AI tells me:
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac, a rare and powerful period starting February 17, 2026, and lasting until February 5, 2027, symbolizing intense energy, bold change, innovation, and passion -making it a time for breaking old patterns and pursuing big ambitions. A true Fire Horse year occurs only once every 60 years, making it a significant generational event. Historically, Fire Horse years (like 1966) often coincide with major breakthroughs, social upheaval, and transformative movement.
As we live through the heart-breaking experience of breakdown, many of us are praying for the breakthroughs.
As we witness shocking hatred and violence in our communities, many of us are also witnessing the love and compassion, resilience and courage rising up.
As we grieve, we are more keenly aware of the beauty and wonder all around us.
For decades we have been talking about this big shift, about the end of the old order and the birth of a new world. Since 1969, we have sung about the dawning of the age of Aquarius. We have gathered to add our intentions to the Harmonic Convergance in 1987 and to the new millennium in 2000 and the powerful end of the Mayan calendar in December 2012. Just last month, we awaited with excitement the arrival of 3I Atlas and its potent potential to transform our entire solar system.
Like many of you, I have prayed for this time of transformation and rebirth. Yet I never considered how difficult it would be to actually live through the breakdown of the old. I was not prepared for the grief and trauma that would be involved, both personally and collectively. I never really understood what it would feel like to personally be asked to give up the comfort of the familiar.
Many years ago in a women’s circle, a brilliant friend spoke about how she found herself negotiating with Divine Mother about what sacrifices she needed to make, about which bracelets she needed to give up. And we realized together that the Sacred Feminine loves us deeply and profoundly — and She does not negotiate.
If our world is going to be reborn, it will be because each of us is willing to be reborn. If real change is going to happen, it is because each of us have the courage and equanimity to REALLY change. If the Year of the Fire Horse is going to break old patterns and create the new, it is because each of us will saddle up and ride for our lives.
by Kathe Schaaf